Structurally Capable of Firing Live Ammunition
Japanese Police Urgently Recall 2,600 Units
A Chinese-made plastic toy gun capable of firing live ammunition has been found to have been distributed throughout Japan, prompting police to launch a large-scale recall. Although it appears to be an ordinary toy, concerns are growing among citizens after it was confirmed that the product could be misused as a weapon. Due to the slow pace of the recall, public anxiety is expected to persist for the time being.
Distributed Nationwide as Arcade Prizes
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on September 24 (local time), the National Police Agency of Japan announced that it is urgently recalling the toy gun "Real Gimmick Mini Revolver," imported from China, after confirming that it is structurally capable of firing live ammunition. It has been determined that since December of last year, approximately 15,800 units of this product have been distributed across Japan through 78 companies in 31 prefectures, including as prizes at arcade centers.
This toy gun is about 12 centimeters long and comes with eight plastic bullets as standard. The main issue is that the barrel is open, making it structurally possible to fire live ammunition. Firearms experts have pointed out that "while it does not have the power of a real handgun, the mere fact that it can discharge a projectile forward is enough for it to be considered a dangerous weapon."
Police: "Illegal to Possess, Report Immediately"
However, the recall has been sluggish so far. To date, only about 2,600 units (roughly 20%) have been recovered from regions such as Kyushu, Yamaguchi, and Okinawa. In particular, Yamaguchi Prefecture is believed to have distributed about 850 units, but only 393 units (around 40%) have been recovered. In contrast, Fukuoka Prefecture has recovered just 71 out of 810 units (less than 10%), and Kumamoto Prefecture has recovered only 124 out of 800 units.
Local police explained, "Since there is no identification check at the time of purchase, it is difficult to identify the owners, and the toy's appearance does not differ significantly from typical toys, making it hard for people to recognize the danger. This is slowing down the recall process." The police urged, "Even if it looks like a toy, if it is capable of firing live ammunition, possession alone is illegal. If you find one, please report it to the police immediately."
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